Drilling head assembly



Sept. 10, 1968 H. WILLIAMS 3,400,938

DRILLING HEAD ASSEMBLY Filed Sept. 16, 1966 6 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.BOB WILLIAMS FIG.|

BY 6 11 v W ATTORNEYS B. WILLIAMS Sept. 10, 1968 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 FiledSept. 16, 1966 Sept. 10, 1968 B. WILLIAMS 3,400,933

DRILLING HEAD ASSEMBLY Flled Sept. 16, 1.966 6 Sheets-Sheet. 5

2es\ 2e4- HI IH INVENTOR. FIG. 4 Bob Williams ATTORNEY Sept. 10, 1968 B.WILLIAMS DRILLING HEAD AS SEMBLY Filed Sept. 16, 1966 6 Sheets-Sheet 4INVENTOR.

Bob Williams FIG. 7

WM LQW A TTOIPNE Y Sept. 10, 1968 B. WILLIAMS 3,400,933

DRILLING HEAD ASSEMBLY Flled Sept. 16, i966 6 e t 5 298 FIG. 9

INVENTOR. Bab Williams 386 WMM SO Mm ATTORNEY Sept. 10, 1968 B. WILLIAMSDRILLING HEAD ASSEMBLY 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Sept. 16, 1966 FIG. I3

FIG. I I2 FIG. ll

FIG. I0

INVENTOR. Bab Williams A TTORNEY EIW/ United States P t t fo DRILLINGHEADASSEMBLY Bob Williams, 823 Cavanaugh Road, Fort Smith, 'Ark.729'01-v Continuation-impart of application SerLNo. 503,555,

Oct. 23,1965. This application Sept. 16, 1966,56, No.586,'912

t Claims. (Cl. 277---31) ABSTRACT or THE plscnosunn i A rotary drillinghead assembly for a well bore comprisinga stationary .housing andia sealassembly supported ,bythe stationary housing. I he scaLassernblycoinprises a rotatablesleevemember having a stationary sleeve Thisapplication a continuation-in-part application of my co-pendingapplication Ser. No. '503,555,lfiled Oct. 23, 1965 now abandoned andentitled Drilling Head Assembly. This invention relates tota drillinghead assembly useful in well drilling, More particularly, :this'invention relates to drilling heads for rotary drilling rigs and improvedsealing means for the drilling heads.

v Drilling of oiland gaswellsis accomplished by means of a bit attachedto the end of ahollow string ofrdrilling pipe, The drill bit andldrilling pipe receives a rotary motion from power equipment locatedon-the'surface which transmits this rotary motion to the circular drillstem through a non-circular conduit attached to the top of the drillstring and known as a drill kelly. The kelly receives its rotary motionfrom the power equipmentthrough a non-circular bushing locatediuthedrilling fioor through which the kelly slides as the drillingprogresses. As the drill bit di gs .deeper into the earth additionalsections ,of drill pipe. are" added byjthe procedure of stopping thedrilling, raisingthe kellyand the attached drillingstring', uncouplingthe kelly vfroni the string, addinga nevv section .of drilling pipe,andthen reeoupling the kelly,

Belovtvthe drilling floor andon theground surface a variety ofspecialized equipmentis usually attached; to the top of the casing whereit emerges from the ground; Among these typesof equipment isusuallyatcornponent known as a drilling head which usually providesmeans for the circulation of various. fluids used in the drilling and toprovide means, for the sealing of theinterior of the well from thesurface during drilling In order to main tain a seal around the drillingkelly, and drill'stem while drilling is continuing andparticrilarlywhenthe kelly and drill Qstem' are being, removedirorn thetbore, numeroussealing means have been developed tolproivide rotational andslidablesealingfof the ,kelly, within the. drilling head. These generallyinclude a spindle of some. sort through which the kelly may pass.v and.which, includes ta packing at itslower end to seal the circ imferencjeolf the kelly from thesur face. Y t f The continual rotation of thekelly and jdrill'stern the frequent upward and downward movement ar as;kelly and drill stern 'du'rin'g addition of dtill stem sections, and thehigh pressures to which the drilling headlis subjected, demand that thepack ngw pdnents in the drilling head be able to withstand the excessivewear and be capable 3,400,938 Patented se t. 10,! 19 8 of eachreplacement. Also, as todays oil and gas wells go to increasinglygreater depths, the need for a sturdy and well packed drillinghead-increases. t

In addition, the increasing'popularity of air drilling combined withtheincreasing depth of new wells. demand more efficient means of sealingthe drilling head from the internal pressures. v g v The presentinvention contemplates a rotary drilling head assembly particularlydesigned and constructedfor overcoming the disadvantages of present-daydevices of this type, and comprises an upper and lower housing positioned' together in a manner that will permit quick dis assembly and'yetwhich are held sealably together. Within the upper housing is an inner"housing; or spindle which is held therein by means of an improvedarrangement of bearings so that both the spindle and the entire drillinghead are capable or resisting tremendous thrust forces. Secured to thisinner housing is an upper shock absorbing driving connection for adrilling kelly which receives a non-circular kelly and transmits therotative'rnotion of the kelly to the spindle and yet is designed toprovide shock absorbing protection to the spindle and housing. Securedto the lower end of the inner housing or spindle is an improved kellyseal which rotates with the drilling kelly during the drillingoperations and is particularly designed to resist the great fluidpressures within the bore hole to which it might be subjected and let toprovide for easy slidable motion of the kelly and drill stringtherethrough.

The primary object of this invention is to provide a rotary drillinghead which has improved characteristics of wear and sealing, and iseflicient in operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide a drilling head in whichthe bearing components are more efiiciently designed to withstandgreater stresses.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a drilling head ofimproved design which incorporates efficient means for protecting thedrilling head components from shock and stress.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a drilling headhaving an improved means of sealing the drilling kelly and drillingstern within the drilling head.

A further object of this invention is to provide a novel drilling headparticularly designed and constructed for sealing the bearings from thewell fluids and other debris for greatly increasing the useful andefiicient life thereof.

Other and further objects and advantageous features of the presentinvention will hereinafter more fully appear in connection with adetailed description of the drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view in partial crosssection of a rotarydrilling head embodying the invention.

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view in partial cross' section of a kellydrive component which may be'used in combination with the invention.

FIGURE 3 is a sectional'view taken on line 3-3 of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 4 is a broken sectional elevational view of a half section of arotary drilling head assemblyembodying modification of the invention.

FIGURE is a' side elevational view, partly in section, of a,kelly-.drive adapter, housing such as may beutilized in connection withthe invention.

FIGURE 11 is a plan view of the outer housing of the kelly drive adapterhousing depicted in FIGURE 10. 3 FIGURE 12 is a plan view of the innerhousing of the kelly drive adapter housing depicted in FIGURE 10. vFIGURE 13 is a plan view of the upper ring member of the kelly driveadapter housing depicted in FIG- URE 10.

Referring'now to the figures in detail, in FIGURE .1 the assembledrelationship of the components is shown. A rotating head bowl or lowerhousing member 10 pro.- vides support means for the other components ofthis device and provides means for attachment of the device ,to'a casing(not shown) or other. oil and gas well component at the surface of thewell bore. Attachment of lower housing member 10 to the well componentsis by conventional flange and bolt means. Besides providingcommunication between the interior portion of the rotating head assemblyof this invention and the bore housing member 10 includes a fluidopening 12 which permits passage of drilling fluids and other bore holefluids through housing member 10. Lower housing member 10 has aninterior bore 14 into which is slidably received an upper housing member16. Lower housing member 10 has an annular beveled shoulder 18 whichincludes a recess 20 into which is fitted a packing ring 22. Upperhousing 16 has a circumferential shoulder 24 which rests againstshoulder 18 of the lower housing member when upper housing member 16 isin its proper position. When upper housing member 16 is positionedwithin lower housing member 10 and shoulder 24 rests against shoulder18, packing ring 22 provides a tight seal between the two housingmembers when they are in proper alignment and held securely together bymeans of clamp 26 which is a two section substantially cylindricalclamp. Clamp 26 has an upper beveled shoulder 28 and a lower beveledshoulder 30 which, when clamp 26 is locked in position, are securedrespectively to an upper beveled shoulder 32 on housing 16 and a lowerbeveled shoulder 34 of housing 10. Clamp 26 is secured in position bymeans of a conventional hinge 36 holding the two hinge halves togetherand conventional nut and bolt locking means 38 securing the two hingehalves in a locked position. Since upper housing member 16 will besecurely clamped to lower housing member 10, housing member 16 willremain stationary with housing member 10 and the other well headcomponents to which housing member 10 has been connected.

Housing member 16 is an open ended cylindrical member and provides asupport means for the rotating components and sealing components locatedwithin housing 16. Housing 16 includes an inner annular seat 40 whichprovides support for the rotating components and upon which rests alower thrust bearing 42 which will bear most of the downward thrust,particularly when the drilling string and kelly are being relocated inthe bore hole. Thrust bearing 42 further supports a thrust cylinder ortubular member 44 which includes a support 46 which rotates freelybetween lower thrust bearing 42 and'an upper thrust bearing 48. Thrustbearings 42 and 48 are designed to withstand the tremendous pressuresexerted when the, kelly and attached drilling strings are moved upwardor downward while they are rotating. Bearing 42 resists the downwardstress of the drilling string and bearing 48 resists the upward forces.Neither the inner nor the outer race of either bearing is secured inplace. Disposed interiorly of tubular member 44 is an annular shoulder50 against which rests an exterior annular shoulder 52 of a tubularmember 54. Shoulder 52 is secured to shoulder 50 by means of a pluralityof Allen head bolts 56 which are further held in position againstvibration by means of a nut 58 which has threads on the outside diam of5 8 cooperate with .1 J. 4f Q-y v H w 7' threads 62 oil the'int'erior'of tubular member 44.5Ihe'threads on nut 58secure Allen headbolt 56 from vibratingout of position and also hel distribute the thrustload on these members. The load bearing members 42, 46, and 48, aremaintained in a relatively closed positionby the provision of a ringmember 64 which is further'held in-position by a beveled screw member-66penetrating" the wall of housing member 16 and. securing ring member64in position.

Tubular Tn ember.5'4,' and; consequently the rotating drillingcomponentspassing through tubularmernber 54, is maintained in a relativelystableaxial position with regard to housing 16 by the action of a lowerradial bearing 68 and an upper-radial'bearing' 70 each of which is heldin its respective position partly by means of a set screw 72 which holdsthe outer race of each bearing stationary' with respect to ho'u singmember'16." 7

*Lower radial bearing 68 is'fu'rther held in position-by resting upon a'shoulder'74 of a lower annular support member 76.Support member 76 isheld in positionaga'inst upper housing member-16 by means of bolts 78.Upper radial bearing 70 is further held in its position bythe resting ofits"inte'rior raceupon beveled shoulder 80 of tubular member 54.Conventional oil andgrease lubricants are supplied to the bearing andmoving members described'aboveend are maintained in their properlubricating areas by a unique arrangement of seals and packing members.The upper and lower ends of upper housing 16 arepacked in an identicalmanner to form a seal around tubular member 54. A thin tubular member 82having a polished exterior surface is positioned closely around tubularmember 54 and adjacent the inner perimeter of annular support'member 76.Positioned annularly between member 82 and support member 76 are aseries of packing members 84 of conventional resilient packing material,which provide the sealing means for the lubricant. Disposed between eachpacking member 84' is a thin ring 86'which, upon proper'adjustmentjprOvideS'means to expand the packing members 84 and adjust their sealingability, particularly where they have been subjected to long wear. Aheavier metal ring 88 is set at the bottom of the packing assembly toprovide additional pressure upon the packing members. Ring 88 has aseries of recesses into which fit a number of springs 90 to transmitthis pressure to the packing members. Ring88and spring 9 0'are held intheir relative positions' in support of the packing members'b'y means ofan annular plate 92 secured to support member 76 by a recessed screw 94.A'sim'ilar packing assembly is positioned at the upper end of housing 16'with an upper annular support member 96 retaining the upper radialbearing 70 in position.'Support member 96 is furnished with aconventional lubricating fitting 97 to permit the passage of oil orgreas'e lubricants'into the interior of the drilling head. Supportmember 96 is' secured against hous ing 16 by a recessed screw member 98.An upper thin tubular member 100 is secured in position around tubularmember 54'similarly to member 82. Positioned above an; nular member 96are a number of packing members 102 with 'thin' rings 'interspacedto'provide means for compressing the packing members and '-forcing theminto closer sealing engagement with tubular ember'100. Abovefan endwis'epacking member'104 is 'another heavy ring 106 which has a number ofrecessed springs 108 which are compressed between ring 106 and'anannular'plate 110 held idpositiori against the upper end ofhousing '16We series of recessed screws -112. 'Arradclitional sealing assembly isprovided intermediate the upper and lower sealing assembliesiust deeterthereof and which is held securely against the top i scribed by means ofa special groove packing sleeve; 114 positioned around tubular member 54andsecurledjby means offAIIfe'n screw 116 to the underside of annularseat 40. Member 1 14'include's" plurality of interior. and exteriorcircumferential grooves 118 and 120 into which r disposedspecial'packing rings122fand 124. Besides assisting in maintaining acentered position of tubular member 54, this packing assembly provides ameans of isolating the lubricant material above and below thepackingassembly itself. For example, if for some reason the packingrings 84 at the' lower end of housing =16 should fail, this packingassembly will assure'thatoil or grease sealedabove packing rings 122 and124 will not be drained off. v A "llrl addition to the'sealingassemblies described above the. lubrication and circulation of lubricantaround the bearings and rotating members is assisted by the uniquedesign of the housing members themselves. For example, housing'membe'r16 has, on its interior wall somewhat adjacent bearings 42 and 48,. arecessed portion 126 which jerrnits]improved circulation of lubricantaround those earings and tubular member 44 has recessed portions 128 and-13Q onits exterior wall opposite bearings 42 and 48 also to: provide.forimproved circulation of lubricant. Other sealing means are. providedat either end of housing 16 to-give protection to the, interiorcomponents of the rotating head fromwellbore pressures, dust, and water.At the upper end of housing '54 a resilient annular shield 132 is fittedtightly over housing 54 to rotateywith housing 54 and cover the endportion of housing 16 and protect the interior parts. A furtherprotective assembly is secured to support member 76 at the lower end ofhousing 16.to give added protection to that part of the assembly. Thislower protective component is comprised of an annular steel ring 134secured to support member 76 by aseries of recessed screws 136, and aflat annular resilient member 138 secured to ring 134. Flat resilientmember 138 has a beveled edge 140 and embedded within 138 is a springmember 142. The cooperation of beveled edge 140 of the resilient memberand the biasing of springs-142 within the resilient member 138 tend tobias member 138 against tubular member 54 as tubular member54 is forcedthrough the radius of resilient seal 138.

' FIGURE 1 describes in outline a drilling kelly 144 in position throughthe rotating drilling head assemblyof this invention. As describedabove, drilling kelly 144. is taken-to be a conventional noncirculardrilling kelly which receives its rotative motion from a power devicenot made ,a part of this invention. When drillingis in progress, itsisnecessary that the rotative components of this invention receive theirmotion .by transmission from the kelly 144 and that at the same time ameans of sealing the "kelly below the rotating head must be provided toprotect the components of this invention from-the pressure effects andcorrosionefr'ects of bore hole fluids and at the sametime prevent thebore hole fluids from reaching the surface of the ground by passagearoundthe kelly. 'FhusFIGUREl in conjunction with FIGURES 2 and 3describewoneparticular means by-which the power is transmitted from thedrilling kelly- 144 to the rotative components or this invention.However, there is no intention oflimiting the drive means to theparticular arrangement shown in FIGURES 1, 2 and 3..Althou-gh thedrilling kelly 144 maybe of square, hexagonal, or octagonalconformation, for'the sake of simplicity FIGURE 3 describes a drillingkelly of hexagonal shape. A split bushin g formed'from semi-circularcomponents 146 and 148fit together in close position'around kelly 144.Bushin g'half 146 includes a series'ot pins 150 which positionedthemselyes within recesses 152 of kellybushing 148. 'Each bushing"component 146 and 148 is externally threaded with threads 154 at theupper portion of the bushing as sembly. lWhei1 pins150 are lined upproperly with re c'esses 152"so that bushing halves 146 and 148 areassembled, threads 154 become continuous and permitthebushing"assernblyto be threaded into threaded portion 156 of octagonalbushing 158. Threaded portion 156 is slightly tapered so that kellybushings 146 and 148 may be drawn closely around the drilling kellypermitting octagonal bushing 158 to be received slidably into a similar6 opening in an assembly secured to the rotating drilling head assembly.l t f Outer ring 160 has an internally-threaded portion 16 2 adjacentits lower edge which is threadably received on the external-threads .164of tubular member 54, of the rotating head assembly. Secured at ,anumber of places interiorly of ring 160 are a number of pins 164 facinginwardly .and'embedded in a resilient .material165 such asrubber orneoprene which will act as ashock absorber in reducing the rotativeshocks. from the drilling kelly and tend to prevent injury tothedrillinghead assembly, An octagonal bushing 166 is also provided with anumber ofpins 168. Pins 168 are also embedded inresilient material 165 so thatbushing 166 is secured in: a shock absorbing manner to outer ,ring 160,When drilling kelly 144 is provided with bushings 146 and 148 which aresecured as mentioned above by octagonal bushing-.158 and is lowered intothe drilling head assembly; Octagonal bushing 158 fits closely intobushing 166 andtransmits the rotativemotion from the kelly to thedrillinghead assembly. Whenthe semi-circular bushing components 146 and148 areheld in position around the kelly by octagonal bushing 158, avery close but slidable fit around the kelly is provided so that thekelly wilLbe permitted to slide through this bushing assembly as-thedrilling progresses and the drill bit, drill string, and kelly areprogressively lowered into the bore hole. Threads 154 on semicircularcomponents 146 and 148 are right hand threads which are further securedduring the drilling process. Then, when the kelly and drill string are,to be removed, the reverse rotation of the kelly will loosen thesebushing components and permit them to be quickly and easily removed fromthe kelly.

The interior components of the drilling head assembly are protected fromthe bore hole fluids by a seal cup 170 which is threadably secured tothe bottom of tubular member 54. Seal cup 170 includes an upper annularring member 172 which has internal left hand threads 174 whichthreada'bly match external left hand threads 176 adjacent the lower endof tubular member 54. Locking the annular ring member 172 into positionaround tubular member 54 are a series of locking screws 178 which threadinto matching recesses 180 in tubular member 54 when ring 172 isproperly threaded onto member 154. In its fully threaded position ringmember 172 fits flush against annular resilient member 138 and providesa 16,- gree of maintaining member 138 in its position and gives someadditional sealing effect to the drilling head assembly. Annular ringmember 172 has a beveled shoulder 182 which helps guide the drillinghead assembly into the position at the initiation of the drillingoperations. Ring member 172 is secured to a resilient sealing cup 184 bymeans of the embedding of an annular flange portion 186 and a series ofspring-like members 188 into resilient cup 184. Resilient sealing cup184 has an upper essentially circular portion surrounding flange 186,and an intermediate frusto-conical portion into which springlike members188 are embedded and a lower reduced diameter neck portion adjacentthelower end of member 184. Spring-like members 188 are embedded inresilient member 184 to a longitudinal extent corresponding to thelongitudinal extent of frusto-conical portion of the resilient member184. Spring-like members 188 cooperate with the frusto-conical portionof member 184 to bias the resilient member 184 into a scalable positionaround a drilling kelly or a drill stem. That is, when drilling is inprogress member 184 will be sealable around the drilling'kelly, and whenthe drilling kelly and drilling string are either raised or lowered,member 184 will, for a portion of the. travel of a drill string, be insealable arrangement around the drilling string. Interior of resilientmember 184 is a bore portion 190 which is essentially cylindrical inappearance and which is the part of member 184 coming into sealableengagement with the drilling kelly and drill string. Below bore 190 isan outwardly flanging surface 192 which provides means for guiding thesealing member 184 and the drilling head assembly itself onto thedrilling kelly when the unit is assembled. Spring-like members 188extend only through the frusto-conical portion of member 184 so thatthey will bias bore 190 around the drilling kelly and drill string andyet will permit bore 190 to expand to the limit of the resiliency ofmember 184 as drilling kellys of different sizes and configurations orldrilling strings of different sizes pass through bore 190. Ifspring-like members 188' were to extend the full length of bore 190,resilient member 184 would be restricted in its expansive ability. v

Referring now to FIGURES 4 and 5, reference character 200 generallyindicates a modified rotary drilling head assembly comprising astationary air bowl or lower housing 202 having an' upper housing orsealing assembly generally indicated at 203 disposed therein andsupported thereby. The housing 202 is of a substantially cylind'ricalconfiguration and is provided with a centrally disposed bore 204extending longitudinally therethrough. One end of the bowl 202 isadapted for connection with the well casing (not shown) in any wellknown manner, such as by an outwardly directed circumferential flange206 and-a plurality of bolts (not shown). The bowl 202 is heldstationary by virtue of the connection with the well casing, and a sideopening or port 208 is preferably provided in the bowl 202 forfacilitating circulation of drilling fluids during the well drillingoperation, as is well known.

The opposite end of the bowl 202 may be provided with an outwardlydirected circumferential flange 210 for apurpose as will be hereinafterset forth. The upper end of the bore 204, as viewed in FIGURE 4, istapered or beveled as shown at 212 and is provided with a substantiallycentrally disposed annular recess 214 extending circumferentiallytherearound for receiving an annular sealing ring 216 therein. Therecess 214 is of a substantially rectangular cross sectionalconfiguration with the upper and lower sides thereof extendingsubstantially perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal axis ofthe bowl 202. The inner corner of the recess 214 terminates on thebeveled surface 212 and is thus of a correspondingly beveled or taperedconfiguration in cross section. The sealing ring 216 is of a crosssectional configuration complementary to the recess 214 and the innercorner thereof is tapered correspondingly with the beveled sur-. face212 for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth.

The upper housing or sealing assembly 203 comprises an outer sleeve 218having an enlarged portion or outwardly extending collar portion 220providing an upper annular shoulder 222 and a lower annular shoulder224. The lower shoulder 224 is tapered upwardly and outwardlycomplementary to the configuration of the beveled surface 212 forengagement therewith as shown in FIG- URE 4 whereby the assembly 203 issupported by the beveled shoulder 212. The upper shoulder 222 is taperedoutwardly and downwardly, and the sleeve 218 is held stationary with thebowl 202 in a manner as will be hereinafter set forth in detail.

An annular groove 226 is provided around the outer periphery of thecollar portion 220 and preferably substantially centrally disposed withrespect to the length thereof for supporting an adapter member 228 (FIG-URES 6 and 7) around the collar 220. An annular recess 230 is providedaround the inner periphery of the groove 226 for receiving a suitablesealing ring, such as an O- rin'g, or the like (not shown). The sealingmember provides a seal between the sleeve 218 and adapter member 228 ininstallations wherein the adapter 228 is utilized and may either besubstantially permanently disposed within the recess 230 or disposedtherein at such a time when it is desirable to utilize the adapter ring228, as will be hereinafter set forth in detail.

The lower end of the sleeve 218, as viewed in FIGURE 4, is internallythreaded at 232m receive a first threaded O 0 seal carrier ring234-therein. The outer end of the ring 234 is preferably provided withan outwardly extending circumferential flange 235 for engaging the'lowerend of the sleeve 218 for limiting the inward or upward movement of thering 234 with respect to the sleeve 218. The threads 232 are preferablyleft hand threads for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth. Theinner end of the ring 234 is provided with a centrally disposed circularrecess 236 whereby an annular shoulder 238,is formed around the outercircumference thereof. The shoulder238 en; gages the outer race of afirst radialbearing member 240 and securely retains the outer race ofthe bearing 240 against an annular shoulder 242 provided on the innerperiphery of the sleeve 218. I An inwardly directed annular flange 244is provided on the inner periphery of the sleeve 218 and. spaced fromthe shoulder 242 for receiving thereagainst an outwardly extendingflange 246 of a separator sleeve 248. The flange 246 may be securedadjacent the flange 244 in any suitable manner, such as by a pluralityof circumferentially spaced screw members 250. The flange 244supportsafirst thrust bearing 252, and the outer periphery of the lowerrace of the bearing 252 is disposed adjacent the inner periphery of thesleeve 218 as particularly shown in FIGURE 4. The inner periphery of thesleeve'2l8 is recessed at 254, however, whereby the upper race of thebearing 252 is spaced slightly therefrom. i A bearing separator sleeve256 is supported from the bearing 252 by an outwardly extendingcircumferential flange 258 provided on the outer periphery of the sleeve256 and which rests on the bearing 252. The flange 258, in turn,supports a second thrust bearing 260. The inner periphery of eachbearing 252 and 260 is disposed adjacent the outer periphery of thesleeve 256. The sleeve 256 is secured to a rotatable tubular member 262in any suitable manner, such as bya plurality of bolt members 264 whichextend through an outwardly extending flange 266 on the outer peripheryof the tubular member 262, and which further extend longitudinally intothe bearing separator sleeve 256. The sleeve 218 is in connection withthe upper race of the bearing 260 in any well known manner. For example,as shown in FIGURE-4, the inner periphery of the sleeve 218 is threadedat 266 for receiving an annular ring 268 having complementary threadsprovided on the outer'periphery thereof. The ring 268 rests on the upperrace of the bearing 260 and it will be apparent that the inner peripheryof the ring 268 is spaced from the outer periphery of the tubular member262. The threaded con nection 266 is preferably a right hand threadconnection for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth. Of course,suitable recesses (not shown) may be providedon the exposed face of thering 268 for receiving a suitable tool (not shown) in order tofacilitate tightening and loosening or threading and unthreading of thering 268 within the sleeve 218, as is well known. 1

The inner periphery of the sleeve 218 is slightly enlarged at 270 toprovide aninwardly directed shoulder 272 which receives or supports theouter race of a second radial bearing 274. The upper end of the sleeve218, as viewed in FIGURE 4, is provided with an internally threadedportion 276 for receiving a second seal carrier ring 278 therein. Thering 278 is generally similar to the ring 234 and is preferably providedwith an outwardly extending circumferential flange 280 at the outer. endthereof for enagement with the end of the sleeve 218; for limiting theinwardly movement of the ring 278..with respect to the sleeve 218. Theinner end of the ring 278 is provided with a centrally disposedsubstantially circular recess 282 which forms a circumferential shoulder284 around the outer periphery thereof. The shoulder 2 84, bears againstthe outer race of the bearing 274 for retaining the bearing 274 securelyin position on the shoulder 272. A suitable lubricating fluid (notshown) is provided between the tubular member 262 and sleeve 218forlubrication of the bearings 240, 252, 260 and 274 and is sealedtherein, all as will. be hereinafter set forth in detail. l Thetubularfmember 262 is substantially concentrically disposed with respectto the sleeve'218 and bore 204 of the bowl 202 and preferably extendsslightly beyond the opposite ends of the sleeve 218. The tubular member262 is provided with a first enlarged cylindrical portion 286 spacedbelow the upper end thereof as viewed in FIGURE 4 for bearing againstthe inner periphery of the inner race of the radial bearing'274. Asecond enlarged cylindrical portion 288 is provided on the outerperiphery of the tubular member 262 and spaced from'the' lower endthereof for "hearing against the inner periphery of the radial bearing240. Itwill be readily apparent that any rotational movement of thetubular member 266'will betrasrnitted to the inner race of the bearings240 and 274 by virtue of the e'ngagementtherebetween. However, norotational movement will be transmitted to the outer races of thebearings 240 and 274. p

A third enlarged cylindrical portion 290 is "provided on the outerperiphery of the tubular member 262 for bearing against the innerperiphery of thebearingseparator sleeve 256. Rotational movement of thetubular member 262 will betransmitted to the sleeve 256" since thesleeve 256 is secured to the tubular memberby the screws 264. It will beapparent that rotational movement of the sleeve 256 will be transmittedsimultaneously to the upper race of the thrust bearing 252 and to thelower race of the thrust bearing 260 through the engagement of theflange 258 therewith. However, the rotational movement will not betransmitted to the lowerr'ace of the bearing 252 or the upper race ofthe bearing 260. p

The inner periphery of the bearing separator sleeve 256 is enlarged at292 whereby the separator sleeve 248 is spaced slightly from the innerperiphery of the sleeve 256 and outer periphery of the tubular member262. The sleeve 248 is retained stationary with the sleeve "218 by theengagement therewithfthrougli the screws 250 and flange 244, andconsequently there is relative rotational movement between the bearingseparator 2561 and the separator sleeve 248. A plurality of spacedannular recessesor grooves are provided on the enlarged inner periphery292 of the bearing separator 256each for receiving a dynamic sealingmember 294 therein. Whereas substantially any suitable sealing orpacking'members 294 may be utilized, it is preferable to provide /2-'Vinside lip packing as particularly shown in FIGURE'4. This type ofpacking provides an excellent dynamic sealing between the stationarysleeve 248 and rotating sleeve "256, and the upwardly extendingconfigurationof the inner lip of the packing members permits alubricating fluid to flow upwardly around the packings 294, butsubstantially preeludes any reverse flow of fluidtherearound, for apurpose and as will be hereinafter set forth in detail. In addition, itis preferable that the outer periphery of the sleeve 248 against whichthe packi'ngs 294 ride-be of a hard chrome finish forimproving theuseful life and sealing qualities of the packing members and sleeve. 1The seal carrier rings 234 and 278 areprovided for sealing around theouter periphery of the tubular member 262 for substantially precludingcontamination of the bearing members from any well fluids, or otherforeign particles or debris. The rings'234-and 278 areigenerallysimilarandfunc'tion in a generally similar, but reverse, manner. Asparticularly shown in FIGURE 9, the first ring 234 is provided with anenlarged central bore portion 298 for receiving a plurality of packingor sealing members 300 and spacer members 302therein. A cylindricalsleeve 304 is disposed around the outer periphery of the tubular member262 in substantial align: ment-with the ring23'4 and is rotatablesimultaneously therewith. The packings-300 and spacers 304 are retainedwithin the bore .298 by a. retaining ring-306 which may spaced screws30s (FIGURE4).

Theouter periphery of the sleeve 304 is preferably provided with a hardchrome finish .for increasing the eificient life thereof, andthe innerperiphery offeach of the packing members 300 rides againstthis hardchrome surfaceto provide an efiicient dynamic seali'rigfbetwe en therotatable tubular member 262 and stationary seai carrier ring 234. Thepacking'members 300 are prefeif ably of the well known ic'hevron'type'and it is preferable to provide three of the packing members 300 asshown herein. The lowermost packing 300 as viewed in FIG.- URES 4 and '9is inverted, or disposed in such a manner thatthe sides'thereof aretapered ina downward and outward direction whereas the up per twopackings 300 are disposed in an upright position whereby thefsidesthereof taper in an upward and outward directionThe downwardly taperinglower packing' '300 functions to substantially preclude any upwardpassage of well' fluid, or the: like, around the outer periphery o f thecylinder, 304, and the upwardly tapering ,upper packings 300' function'to substantially preclude: any downward passage of lubrica nt, or thelike,"around the cylinder304, I The spacers 302 are preferablyconstructed .frorri brass, but not limited thereto, and comprise an"upper annular spacer 302a having the lower surface [thereofsubstantially V-shaped in cross-sectional configuration complementary tothe configuration of the upper chevron packing 300. The inner peripheryof the spacer 302a is spaced from the outer periphery of the sleeve orcylinder 304 to preclude any engagement therebetween during rotation ofthe sleeve 304. In addition, an annular recess or trough 310 is providedat the center of the Y between the upper packing 300 and spacer 302a foraccumulating a quantity of the lubricant therein, as will be hereinafterset forth. The second spacer 30215 is of an annular configuration withthe cross-sectional con: figuration of both the upper and lower surfacesthereof being V-shaped complementary to the upper packings 300. Theinner periphery of the spacer 302b is spaced from the outer periphery ofthe sleeve 304, and an an-j nular trough 312 is provided at the V of thesecond packing member 300 for the accumulation of a quantity of thelubricant therein. In addition, at least one trans verse passageway 314is provided in the spacer ring 302b for communicating the lubricant fromthe outer periphery of the spacer 302b to the inner periphery thereof,as will be hereinafter set forth. The third spacer 3020 is an annularring wherein the upper surface the reof is substantially V-shaped incross-sectional confi'gu ration, and the lower surface thereof is of asubstantially inverted V-shaped configuration. The inner periphery ofthe spacer 302a is spaced from the outer periphery of the sleeve 304,and at least one transversely extending passageway 316 for communicatingor directing the lubricating fluid from the outer periphery of the ring302c to the inner periphery thereof; The'lowermost spacer ring 302d issubstantially identical to the uppermost ring 302a, but reversed inposition with respect thereto. Of course, the inner periphery of' thelower spacer 302d is spaced from the outer periphery of, the cylinder304. In addition, there will be slight spacing between the outerperiphery of each of the spacer rings 302 and the bore 298 forfacilitating longitudinal distribution of the lubricant, as will behereinafter set forth. This spacing is depicted in an exaggeratedconditioii in FIGURE 9 for purposes of illustration.

An annular groove or recess 318 is provided on the upper or inwardlydirected face to the retainer ring 306 for receiving a compression ring320, such asan O-ring, or the like -therein. The compression ring '320is concentrically 'arranged with respect to the spacer ring 302a and ispreferably substantially centrally disposed between the inner and outercircumferences thereof for constantly exerting an upward pressure on the"spacer ring 302d for maintaining a longitudinal force through thespacer members 302 and packing members 300.This

assures an elficient packing between thespacers 302 and packing members300 for increasing the overall efficiency ,of the packing or sealingaction of the packing inernbers300'. i g i 7 As hereinbefore set forth,the area between the tubular member 262 and sleeve 218,and between theseal carrier rings" 23.4 and 278 is filled with a suitable lubricatingfluid The lubricant surrounds the bearings 240, .252, 260 and 2741 forassuring an eflicientlubrication thereon. A longitudinally extendingpassageway 322 (FIGURE 9) islprovide'd in the seal carrier ring 234 andhas oneend thereof open at the recess 236 for receiving the lubri:eating' fluid therein. A pair of spaced radially inwardlyextendingpassageways 324 and .326 extend from the passageway 322 to thebore 298 for directing a portion of the lubricant to the outer peripheryof the spacers 302,,and "particularly tothe spacers 302k and 3020. Theslight clearance between the spacers. 302 and the bore zss'wm permitthelubricant to adequately lubricate the packing members "300, disposedagainst the bore .298, and the passageways 314 and 316 will direct aportion of the lubricant to the inner 'peripheryof the spacers 302b and302s whereby the lubricant will be distributed to the inner periphery ofthe packing members 300 which bear against the sleeve 304. A portion ofthe lubricant will work its way into the troughs 310 and 314 for furthenfacilitating and improving the lubrication of the packing members 300and spacers 302.

It has been found that a relatively small amount of the lubricatingfluid is .required to adequately lubricate the packing members 300, andas a result, it is desirable to provide a cylindrical choke member 328for each bore 324 and 326. The bores 324 and 326 may be internally,threaded at the ends thereof which terminate in the bore 298 whereby thechoke members 328 may be threadedly inserted therein and in such aposition that the choke members do not extend or protrude into the bore298. In addition, the internal bores 330 may be filled with a suitablefibrous or fabric material, such as cotton, or like, as shown at 332,for further control of the quantity of lubricant which is allowed todrip or otherwise slowly flow into'the bores 314 and 316.

As hereinbefore set forth, the seal carrier is generally similar to theseal carrier 234, and as shown in FIGURE 4, a longitudinally extendingbore or passageway 334 extends therethrough for directing the lubricantinto the annular space between the tubular member 262 and sleeve 218. A'zerk fitting 336, or the like, may be provided at the outer end of thebore 334 for facilitating the injection of the lubricant into the bore334, as is well known. In addition, an enlarged central bore 338 isprovided in the ring 278 for receiving a plurality of packing members340 and spacers 342 which are similar to the packing members 300 andspacers 302. The packing members 340 are preferably of the well knownchevron type, and there are preferably three of these chevron packingsprovided in an inverted position whereby the lips or sidewalls thereofare tapered outwardly and downwardly. The lowermost two of the packingmembers 340 are preferably disposed in abutting relationship and thethird packing member 340 is preferably spaced thereabove, as viewed inFIGURE 4. The spacer rings 342 are preferably constructed from brass, orthe like, but not limited thereto, and are of cross-sectionalconfigurations generally similar to the respective spacer members 302.In addition, the centermost spacer member 342 is provided with at leastone transversely extending bore 344 for providing communication betweenthe inner and outer peripheries of the spacers 342. A radially extendingbore or passageway 346 is provided in the seal carrier ring 278 fordirecting a portion of the lubricant from the bore 334 to the bore 338whereby, a portion of the lubricant, will be distributed to the packingmembers 340 in a similar manner as hereinbefore set forth with respectto the packing members 300. It is preferably to utilize a choke member(not shown) similar,

12 to the choke 328 in the bore 344 for controlling the flow oflubricant into the bore 334. Of course, a suitable cylin deror sleeve348 similar to the sleeve 304 is disposed around the outer periphery ofthe tubular member262 in substantially alignmentwith the seal carrierring 278 and is provided with a hard chrome outer periphery forreceiving the inner periphery of the packing members 340' thereagainst.The sleeve 348 rotates simultaneously with the tubular member 262, andthe packingmembers 340 provide an efficient dynamicsealing between therotating cylinder 348 and the stationary seal carrier ring 278. Ofcourse, a suitable retainer ring 350 may be removably secured to theoiuter surface of the seal carrier ring 278 in any suitable manner, suchas by a plurality of circumfer entially spacedstudsor screws 352 forretaining the packi ing members 340 and spacer members 342 withinthebore 338. In addition, an annular' groove 349 is provided on the innerface of the ring 350 for receiving an O-ring 351, or the like, which isa compression seal for constantly exerting a downward force on theuppermost spacer 342 where by an eflicient sealing engagement isprovided between the spacers 342 and packing 340. V v

The sleeve218 is held or retained in stationa ry relationship, withrespect to the bowl 202 by means of a sectional clampingdevice generallyindicated at 354, and particularly shown in FIGURES 4, 5 and 8. Theclamping device 354 comprises a pair of arcuate half sections or jaws356 and 358 hingedly secured together and to the bowl 202 at 360, aswill be hereinafter set forth. The jaws 356 and 358 are substantiallyidentical in construction, and each is provided with an annular recess362 (FIG- URE 4) whereby each jaw receives substantially one-half of theflange 210 provided on the upper end of the bowl 202 when the jaws arein the closed or clamping position. The free or outer end of one jaw,such as the jaw 356 as depicted herein, is provided with a pair ofspaced outwardly.- extending apertured boss of flange members 364(onlyone of which is shown in FIGURE 8) forreceiv ing one end of a latcharm 366 therebetween. The arm 366 is pivotally secured to the flanges364 by a suitable pivot pin 368, as iswellknown. The outer end of theother jaw, such as the jaw 358, is provided with an outwardly extendinglatch receiving member 370 having an open sided slot (not shown)extending along the length thereof .for removably receiving the latcharm 366 therein. The outer end of the latch arm 366 is preferablythreaded as shown at 372 in FIGURE 8 for receiving a threaded lockingnut 374 thereon whereby the nut 374 may be tightened into a lockingengagement with the latch receiving member 370 in the closed or latchedposition of thearm3 66. ,1 v v I ii Of course, when it is desired toopen the jaws 356 and 358, the nut 374. may be backed off, and the latcharm 366 may be quickly .and easily manually pivoted about the. pin 368for releasing the locking engagement'between the jaws. Conversely, whenit isdesired to clamp or lock the jaws 356 and 358 around the bowl 202the latcharm .366 may be quickly and easily pivoted about the pin 368 ina reverse position for disposition in ,the latchreceiving member 370,and the lock nut 374 may be-locked against the. member 370 for-securelylatching the jaws 356 and- 358. in the closed position. -Whereas theparticular latch armor swing .bolt depictedherein is very eflicient anddurable in operation, it is to be understood that substantially any.desired latching mechanism maybe utilized in lieu thereof, such aszzahydraulic dou-I ble-actjoncylinder, or the like,; as is well known. A

As. particularly shown in FIGURE 5, a cylindrical hinge member 376 issecuredto theouter. periphery of the-bowl 202 in any. suitablemanner,such asbya flange 377 which may be welded to the bowl,'or otherwisesecured between thebowl and member 376. A pair of longitudinally spacedoutwardly :extendinglapertured flanges 378 and 380- are provided .on theouter periphery of the jaw-358 whereby the flange 378 is disposedadjacent-the upper end of the 13 cylindrical member 376. A pair ofsimilar spaced outwardly extending apertured flanges 382 and 384areprovided on the outer periphery of 'thejaw 356 whereby the flange 382isinterposed between the flanges 378 and 380, and the flange 384 isdisposed adjacent the upper surface of the flange "380. A suitable hingepin 386 extends through the apertures of the flanges and through thecylindrical member to provide the pivotal or hinged connected betweenthe jaws 356 and 358 and bowl 202.

Suitable stop members 388 are provided on each flange 378 380, 382 and384 for limiting the opening pivotal movement pf the jaws 356 and 358for precluding accidental complete disengagement of the jaws with theupper end'of' the'bowl 202 during the opening of the clamping device354. Furthermore, it will be noted in FIGURE. 8 that the axis of thehinge pin 386 is offset with respect to the axis of the cylindricalmember 376 and corresponding configuration formed by the flanges 378,380 382 and 384 whereby the path of the outer ends of the jaws will besuch that the free ends of the jaws will always be 'inengag'ement withthe'upper end of the bowl 202 during the opening and closing of theclamp 354. This facilitates the overall operation of the device, and isa practical advantage of the structure.

Referring again to FIGURE 4, it is to be noted that the inner periphery390 of the jaws 356 and 358 is slightly spaced from the outer peripheryof the collar 220. In addition, an inwardly directed, upwardlytaperedshoulder 392 is provided on the inner periphery of each clamp jaw 356and 358 which is of 'a taper complementary to the taper'ed shoulder 222,and is in engagement therewith in the closed or clamped position of theclamping mechanism 354. The tapered configuration of the shoulders 392and 222 in combinationwith the tapered configuration of the shoulders212 and 224 provides a self-centering action as the upper housing. orsealing assembly 203 is clamped in position within the bowl 202. Theshoulder 392 is'cutaway at the opposite ends of each jaw member 356 and358, as shown at 394, 396, 338 and 400 in FIG- URE 8, to provideclearance for facilitating disposition of the assembly 203 in the bowl202 with a minium of arcuately outward movement of the clamp jaws 356and 358 inthe open position thereof.

The lower 'end of the tubular member 262, as viewed in FIGURE'4, isexternally threaded at 402 for receiving an internally threaded stripperholder ring 404 thereon. The ring 404 may be secured in the desiredposition on the threaded end 402 in any well known manner, such as by aset screw 406, or the like. A stripper rubber 408 generally similar tothe frusto-conical member 184 depicted in FIGURE 1 isbonded or otherwisesecured to the ring 404 and is provided with an internal bore 410adapted to engage the outer periphery of a drill string (not shown inFIGURE 4) in the manner generally as set forth in the first embodimentof the invention, and as is well known.

As hereinbefore set forth, the drill string is rotated by the kelly, andany suitable means may be utilized for transmitting rotation of thekelly to the tubular member 262. For example, as shown in FIGURES 10through 13, a drive assembly generally indicated at 412 is depictedwhich'comprises an outer housing or sleeve 414 having an inner housing416 disposed therein and a retaining ring-418 for retaining the innerhousing 416 within the outer housing 414; The inner housing 416 ispreferably sectional as shown in FIGURE 12 and comprises a pair ofsubstantially identical half sections 416a and 41611 for facilitatingdisposition thereof around the outer periphery of the kelly. The innerperiphery of the housing 41 6is square or of any other configurationcorresponding to the kelly whereby the rotation of the kelly istransmitted to the h'ousing416 by the engagement therebetween. Theupperend of the housing 416 is provided with an outwardly extendingcircumferential flange 420for engagement with ordispositionin an annulargroove 422 pro- A plurality of circumferentially spaced outwardly di-:

rected lugs 428 are provided around the upper end of the housing 414, asviewed in FIGURE 10, and each of the. lugs 428 is provided with at leastone aperture 430 extending therethrough. The ring 418 is provided with aplurality of circumferentially spaced elongated apertures 432 eachhaving an enlarged portion 433 which Will register or be insubstantially alignment with each of the apertures 430 when the ring 418is disposed on the upper end of the housing 414. A pin member 434 may bedisposed through each of the aligned apertures 430 and 432,. and thering 418 may be rotated in a direction for moving the enlarged portion433 of each aperture'432 away from the respective pin 432. At leastoneof the flanges 428 is provided with a second apertures 436 which will bein alignment with the open portion of the respective aperture 432 uponthe revolved position of the ring 418 whereby a suitable locking pin maybe inserted through the apertures 436 and 432 for locking the ring 418in the revolved or orientated position, thus retaining the inner housing416 securely within the outer housing 414.

The entire drive assembly 412 is adapted for disposition within theupper end of the tubular member 262 for transmitting rotation thereto.The lugs or flanges 428 may be disposed in complementary recessesprovided in the upper end of the tubular member 262. Rotation of thedrive assembly 412 is transmitted to the tubular member 262 through theengagement between the lugs 428 and recesses 438. Of course, therotational movement of the tubular member 262 is absorbed by thebearings 240, 252, 260 and 274 and the sleeve 218 and bowl 202 remainstationary. I

It will be apparent that itmay be desirable to provide air bowls 202 invariety of sizes. When the bowl 202 is larger than the assembly 203, theadapter member may be utilized. The adapter 228 comprises a pair ofsubstantially identical semi-circular half sections 440, only one ofwhich is shown in FIGURES 6 and 7, for encircling the collar portion 220of the sleeve 218. Each half section 440 is provided with an inwardlydirected flange member 442 extending around the inner periphery thereoffor engagement with the annular recess 226 provided on the outerperiphery of the collar 220. The opposite ends 444 and 446 of the halfsection 4140 are provided with complementary bores 448 and pins 450where-by the pins 450 of one half section will engage the bores 448 ofthe other half section for facilitating retaining of the half sections440 in position around the collar 220. In addition, each end member 444and 446 is provided with spaced apertures 452for receiving bolts (notshown), or the like, therethrough in order to securely lock'or clamp thehalf-sections 440 around the collar 220.

The upper end of the other periphery of the half section 440 as viewedin FIGURE 7 is bevelled at 454 at a taper complementary with theshoulder 392 of the clamp 354, and the lower end of the'outer peripheryof the half section 440 is beveled at 456 at a taper complemen tary tothe shoulder 212 for seating thereon in the same manner as the collar220. Thus, the adapter member 228 will be engaged by the bowl 202 andclamp 354 in the same manner as the collar 220 whereby the assembly 203may be securely retained around the drill pipe and within the bowl 202by selecting an adapter 228 of the proper diametric size. Thus, a singleassembly 203 may be utilized for bowls which are of substantially anylarger size than the assembly 203.

In the event the bowl 202 is smaller than that depicted in FIGURE 4, adiiferent adapter may be utilized. In this instance, a flange typefitting (not shown) may be utilized which comprises a lower flange of asize complementary to the size of the upper flange 210 of the smallerbowl 202, and which may be bolted or otherwise secured thereto in'anywell known manner. An upper flange may be provided for the adapter whichis of a size corresponding to the flange 210 of the bowl 202 as shown inFIGURE 4. The adaptermay be provided with hinge connection memberssimilar to that provided on the bowl 202 and the clamp 354 may behingedly secured to the adapter as hereinbefore set forth. Of course,the inner periphery of the upper flange of the adapter Will be beveledor tapered similar to the taper 212 for receiving the collar 220thereagainst,'and the clamp 354 may be utilized in the manner ashereinbefore set forth for clamping the assembly 203 to the adapter,which in turn is rigidly secured to the smaller bowl 202.'

. Of course, it will be apparent that the stripper 408 may be providedin a variety of sizes for use with substantially any size drill pipe.The stripper rubber 408 may be readily removed and replaced, asrequired, either because of wear, or due to need for another size, byunthreading the ring 406 from the end of the tubular member 262, andthreading the ring 406 of the new stripper on the tubular member 262 inlieu thereof.

In use, the assembly 203 may be quickly and easily installed on the bowl202 by releasing the latch arm 366 and opening the clamp jaws 356 and358. The opening of the jaws will be limited by the stop members 388,thus assuring that the outer ends of the jaws will remain in contactwith the upper end of the bowl 202 at all times. This facilitates thereclamping of the jaws around the assembly 203.

The assembly 203 :may then be disposed in the bowl 202 with the lowertapered shoulder 224 of the collar 220 disposed on the shoulder 212. Thecomplementary tapers 212 and 224 will pnovide a self-centering actionfor facilitating the disposition of the assembly 203 in the bowl 202.The jaws 356 and 358 may then be rotated into a closed position aroundthe collar 220 for bringing the tapered shoulder 392 into engagementwith the tapered shoulder 222. This action further facilitates thecentering of the assembly 203 within the bowl. The entire device 200 maythen be secured to the well casing, as hereinbefore set forth.

Of course, the drive assembly 412 may be installed around the kellyprior to disposition vof the assembly 412 within the tubular member 262,or may be disposed within the tubular member 262, and then the kelly maybe inserted therethrough, as desired. The engagement of the innerperiphery of the housing 416 with the outer periphery of the kelly willtransmit rotation to the drive assembly 412, and the engagement of thelugs 428 of the drive assembly with the recesses 438 of the tubularmember will transmit rotation to the tubular member.

The space between the tubular member 262 and the sleeve 218 is filledwith a lubricant, as hereinbefore set forth. A portion of this lubricantis directed to the packing members 340 and another portion of thelubricant is directed'to 'the packing members 300. It has been foundthat this provides an exceptionally efficient lubrication of the packingmembers and greatly prolongs the useful life thereof. The packingmembers 340, having the sidewalls thereof tapering downwardly,substantially precludes any upward leakage of the lubricant from theannular space surrounding the tubular member 262, and the upwardlytapering sidewalls of the uppermost packing members 300 substantiallyprecludes any downward leakage of the lubricant from the annular spacesurrounding the tubular member 262. The downwardly tapering sidewalls ofthe lowermost packing member 300 substantially precludes any leakage ofwell fluids into the annular space surrounding the tubular member 262.In addition, the placking members 248 which are provided with upwardlytapering sealing lips, permit the lubricant to flow upwardly around thesleeve 348 for assuring an adequate 16 supply of the lubricant to thelower bearing 240, but substantially preclude any downward passage offluid around the sleeve 348, thus providing a double assurance that nowell fluids will leak around the tubular member 262 for contamination ofthe bearings 252, 260 and274.

As hereinbefore set forth, the threads 232 are preferably left-handthreads whereas the threads 26 6 and 276 are preferably right-handthreads, This is to facilitate the assembly of the seal assembly 203whereby the threaded connection of the ring 268 and seal carrier 278with the sleeve 218 will not unthread the seal carrier ring 234, Ofcourse, suitable tool receiving recesses (not shown) may be provided inthe exposed surfaces of the seal carriers 234 and 278 and the ring 268for receiving suitable tools (not shown) for facilitating the assemblyofthe device 203. V i

The novel rotary drilling head assembly 200 is particular-ly designedand constructed for ease of assembly; to assure an adequate lubricationof the packing members; to assure an eflicient sealing of the bearingmembers from contamination by well fluids, and the likej and to assurean adequate lubrication of the bearing members whereby the assembly willfunction efliciently for a maximum of operating time without thenecessity of replacement of parts, or other repair thereto. The novel'device is simple and eflicient in operation and economical and durablein construction.

Changes may be made in the combination and arrangement of parts asheretobefore set forth in the specification and shown in the drawings,it being understood that any modification in the precise embodiment ofthe invention may be made within the scope of the following claims,without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A rotary drilling head assembly for a well bore comprisingastationary housing, a $6311 assembly supported by the stationaryhousing, said seal assembly comprising a rotatable sleeve member, astationary sleeve member surrounding the rotatable sleeve, a chamberprovided between the stationary sleeve and rotatable sleeve forreceiving a lubricating fluid, bearing means interposed between thestationary sleeve and rotatable sleeve and disposed within the chamber,upper and lower sealing means carried by the stationary sleeve andproviding a seal for the chamber to substantially preclude leakageofiiuid out of or into the chamber, and auxiliary seal means interposedbetween the upper and lower sealing means for further precluding leakageof fluid into the chamber for additional protection of the bearingmeans, and means being provided for directing a portion of the lubricantto the upper and lower sealing means for lubrication thereof. I v

2. A rotary drilling head assembly as set forthin claim 1 and includingmeans for transmitting rotation to the rotatable sleeve member. I

3. A rotary drilling head assembly as set forth in claim 1 and includingadapter means for adapting the seal assembly for support bysubstantially any size stationary housing. f

4. A' rotary drilling head assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein thestationary housing is provided with clamp-- ing means for removablysecuring the seal assembly thereto. I y

5. A rotary drilling head assembly as set forth in claim 1 whereinstripper means is removably secured to the rotatable sleeve member. i

6. A rotary drilling head assembly asset forth in claim 5 wherein thestripper means comprises a ring member threadedly secured to therotatablefsleeve member, and a substantially conical stripper rubbercarried by the said i sm b r- .7. Arotary drilling head assembly forawell bore comprising a stationary housing, a seal assembly supported. bythe stationary housing, said seal assembly, comprising a rotatable,sleeye rnember, a stationary sleevemember surrounding the rotatablesleeve, a chamber provided between the stationary sleeve and rotatablesleeve for receiving a lubricating fluid, bearing means interposedbetween the stationary sleeve and rotatable sleeve and disposed withinthe chamber, upper and lower sealing means carried by the stationarysleeve and providing a seal for the chamber to substantially precludeleakage of fluid out of or into the chamber, and auxiliary seal meansinterposed between the upper and lower sealing means for furtherprecluding leakage of fluid into the chamber for additional protectionof the bearing means, said upper and lower sealing means each includinga plurality of annular packing members, a plurality of spacer members,and compression means for maintaining a longitudinal pressure betweenthe packing members and spacer members.

8. A rotary drilling head assembly for a well bore comprising astationary housing, a seal assembly supported by the stationary housing,said seal assembly comprising a rotatable sleeve member, a stationarysleeve member surrounding the rotatable sleeve, a chamber providedbetween the stationary sleeve and rotatable sleeve for receiving alubricating fluid, bearing means interposed between the stationarysleeve and rotatable sleeve and disposed within the chamber, upper andlower sealing means carried by the stationary sleeve and [providing aseal for the chamber to substantially preclude leakage of fluid out ofor into the chamber, and auxiliary seal means interposed between theupper and lower sealing means for further precluding leakage of fluidinto the chamber for additional protection of the bearing means, andclamping means provided for cooperating with the stationary housing andseal assembly to removably secure the seal assembly to the stationaryhousing, said clamping means including a pair of hinged jaw members foralternate opening and closing, stop means for limiting the movement ofthe jaws in the opening direction, and latch means for securing the jawsin the closed position thereof.

9. A rotary drilling head assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein meansis provided for cooperating between the clamping means and stationaryhousing and seal assembly for a self-centering of the seal assembly withrespect to the stationary housing upon clamping of the seal assembly tothe stationary housing.

10. A rotary drilling head assembly for a well bore comprising astationary housing, a seal assembly supported by the stationary housing,said seal assembly comprising a rotatable sleeve member, a stationarysleeve member surrounding the rotatable sleeve, a chamber providedbetween the stationary sleeve and rotatable sleeve for receiving alubricating fluid, bearing means interposed between the stationarysleeve and rotatable sleeve and disposed within the chamber, upper andlower sealing means carried by the stationary sleeve and providing aseal for the chamber to substantially preclude leakage of fluid out ofor into the chamber, and auxiliary seal means interposed between theupper and lower sealing means for further precluding leakage of fluidinto the chamber for additional protection of the bearing means, saidbearings means including a pair of spaced radial bearings disposedbetween the rotatable sleeve member and stationary sleeve member, a pairof spaced thrust bearings interposed between the stationary sleevemember and rotatable sleeve member and disposed between the radialbearings, and said auxiliary seal means being interposed between thethrust bearings and one of said radial bearings.

11. A rotary drilling head assembly for a well bore comprising astationary housing, a seal assembly supported by the stationary housing,said seal assembly comprising a rotatable sleeve member, a stationarysleeve member surrounding the rotatable sleeve, a chamber providedbetween the stationary sleeve and rotatable sleeve for receiving alubricating fluid, bearing means intenposed between the stationarysleeve and rotatable sleeve and disposed within the chamber, upper andlower sealing means carried by the stationary sleeve and providing aseal for the chamber to substantially preclude leakage of fluid out ofor into the chamber, and auxiliary seal means interposed between theupper and lower sealing means for further precluding leakage of fluidinto the chamber for additional protection of the bearing means, saidupper sealing means being provided with a plurality of annular packingmembers having the sealing lips thereof tapered outwardly anddownwardly, the lower sealing means being provided with a plurality ofannular packing members having the sealing lips thereof tapered upwardlyand outwardly and at least one annular p acking member having thesealing lips thereof tapered outwardly and downwardly, and the auxiliaryseal means being provided with a plunality of spaced annular packingmembers having the inner sealing lips thereof tapered upwardly.

12. A rotary drilling head assembly comprising a stationary housinghaving an inwardly and downwardly tapered shoulder provided at one endthereof, a seal assembly supported by the stationary housing and oomprising an outer stationary sleeve member having a tapered shoulder onthe outer periphery thereof for engagement with the tapered shoulder ofthe stationary housing, a rotatable sleeve member concentricallydisposed within the stationary sleeve, an annular ch amber providedbetween the rotatable sleeve and the stationary sleeve fior receiving alubricant therein, upper and lower sealing means carried by thestationary sleeve for sealing the chamber, upper and lower radialbearings disposed in the chamber and supported by the stationary sleeveand engageable with the out-er periphery of the rotatable sleeve, a pairof thrust bearings disposed in the chamber between the radial bearingsand interposed between the rotatable and stationary sleeves, auxiliarypacking means carried by the rotatable sleeve and interposed between thethrust bearings and the lower radial bearing, passageway mcans providedin the upper sealing means for directing the lubricant into the chamber,passageway means provided in both the upper and lower sealing means fordirecting a portion of the lubricant to the inner peripheries thereoffor lubrication thereof, and clamping means carried by the stationaryhousing and cooperating with the stationary sleeve for removablysecuring the seal assembly to the stationary housing.

13. A rotary drilling head assembly as set forth in claim 12 andincluding stripper means rernovably secured to the rotatable sleeve.

14. A rotary drilling head assembly as set forth in claim 12 andincluding means for transmitting rotation to the rotatable sleevemember.

15. A rotary drilling head assembly as set forth in claim 12 andincluding adapter means for adapting the seal assembly for support bysubstantially any size stationary housing.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,170,916 8/1939 Schweitzer etal. 277-3l X 2,176,355 10/1939 Otis 277-31 2,768,007 10/1956 Brenner166-89 X 2,846,247 8/1958 Davis 166--84 X 3,023,012 2/1962 Wilde 277-313,052,300 9/1962 Hampton 166-84 3,128,614 4/1964 Auer 166-84 X JAMES A.LEPPINK, Primary Examiner.

